7 Visa Mistakes That Can Get You Deported (And How to Avoid Them)

Your visa is your permission to stay in Australia. Protecting it should be a top priority. Here are the most common mistakes that can jeopardize your status.

Work Hour Violations

The Rule

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during official breaks.

Common Mistakes

• Miscounting fortnights — A fortnight starts from your first working day, not calendar weeks
• Not counting all work — Cash jobs still count toward your limit
• Misunderstanding "breaks" — Only official scheduled breaks allow unlimited work, not just times without classes

How to Avoid

• Keep a detailed log of hours worked
• Use a calendar app to track fortnights
• Confirm break periods with your institution

Attendance and Enrolment Issues

The Rules

You must:

• Maintain satisfactory course progress
• Attend at least 80% of classes (for most courses)
• Complete your course within the visa period
• Notify changes of address within 7 days

Common Mistakes

• Dropping units without understanding impact — Falling below full-time load can affect your visa
• Poor attendance — Your institution reports to immigration
• Changing courses without approval — Some changes require visa variations
• Not updating address — Required within 7 days of moving

How to Avoid

• Speak to an international student advisor before making course changes
• Keep your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) current
• Update your address in ImmiAccount and with your institution

Health Insurance Lapses

The Rule

You must maintain valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for your entire stay.

Common Mistakes

• Letting coverage expire — Even a one-day gap is a breach
• Using incorrect insurance — Must be OSHC from an approved provider
• Not extending with visa extension — Coverage must match visa duration

How to Avoid

• Set calendar reminders before expiry
• Extend coverage before applying for visa extensions
• Keep proof of coverage accessible

Financial Issues

Common Mistakes

• Working cash-in-hand — You're still required to follow work limits and pay tax
• Not lodging tax returns — Required if you earned above the threshold
• Underpaying superannuation — Employers must pay super; ensure you're receiving it

Application Mistakes

When Applying for Visas

• Missing deadlines — Apply before your current visa expires
• Incorrect documents — Check requirements carefully
• Not declaring everything — Honesty is crucial; immigration can access records
• Using unregistered agents — Only use MARA-registered migration agents

What to Do If You Make a Mistake

1. Don't panic — Some mistakes are fixable
2. Get advice immediately — Talk to your international student office or a migration agent
3. Be proactive — Addressing issues early is better than waiting
4. Document everything — Keep records of any remedial steps you take

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Key takeaway: When in doubt, ask before acting. Your international student office, migration agents, and the Home Affairs website are resources you should use freely. A quick question can prevent a major problem.